I'm looking to replace my rotors and pads next week since winter is upon us, I'm working with a budget of about $300. Any suggestions for decent parts or even brands I should stay away from?

 

What is your driving style?
What are you trying to accomplish?
Do you know what you have now for pads.....do they do what you want or are they too dusty....or don't have the right feeling (modulation wise)?

 

Personally I would stick with the MINI stuff. I know to some that is not popular, but I have seen some stuff that I wouldn't use again. However, for 4 wheels you will be at $500-$600. My opinion...the MINI is worth it. The good aftermarket stuff will be a little less expensive, but not cheap.

Contact Way Motors, Mini Mania or Motoring Werks. Way is really good to work with and responds quickly to emails. He can probably set you up with something good for street driving without costing too much.

Motoring Werks is running a special:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-in-stock.html

 

+1 on the questions.

FWIW, I got brakes for a friend and after a bit of research ended up with Centric pads and rotors from RockAuto - $241 delivered. Worked well with her $240 budget.

Personally, I went with Hawk Ceramics, which have worked well for me in both performance and brake dust, but cost quite a bit more.

 

We have some great options for brakes for R50/R53 that won't break the budget as we don't need a sale to have good prices.
If you need suggestions please call and I'll help you out.

 

as an early 02 owner who went to other pads I can comment on two

I used EBC Green for years and found them lower dust than OEM and the same in performance

this last pad change I went to EBC red all around (on recommendation from WAY)

I find them lower dust than the green but a bit 'grabbyr' ... to the point that b4 spousal unit drove the car 4 first time after the change (weeks after the change so NO bedding issues) I warned her the brakes might grab harder then she expected....

After a few months I like the reds for dust ... but sometimes they surprise me on grip.

 

Go with Way!

PS. I have a rear sensor (could be used on the front too I think) I'll sell cheap if you need it..

 

I just installed Zimmerman rotors and OEM pads on my front, so far so good. Got the set from Pelican for like 230 and rears are much cheaper.